2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR – First Look
New variable air intake system for racing use
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announced an updated Ninja ZX-10RR model for 2024, giving the superbike a new variable air intake system. The VAI system is new for North America, but it was already previously announced for Europe, and the Kawasaki Racing Team has been racing the updated model for the 2023 World Superbike Championship.
The VAI system uses a set of intake funnel extensions inside the airbox that can be moved by servomotors. In the low and mid range, VAI lowers the extensions, increasing the funnel height by 35 mm (1.38 inches) to optimize performance. At faster engine speeds, the extensions lift up, allowing air to bypass them, for a funnel height of just 5 mm (0.2 inches), which is what the previous ZX-10RR uses. VAI takes into account the throttle position and gear position and the engine speed to decide when to raise or lower the funnel extensions.
The concept isn't exactly new. John Burns wrote about how variable intakes work in an Ask MO column, noting Yamaha used the technology in its 2007 R1 (the Tuning Fork brand calls it the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, or YCC-I, system).
Kawasaki's VAI system is limited to racing applications only, requiring a race-kit ECU and sub-controller to activate it. Riders can adjust the VAI settings in the sub-controller software. In street-legal configuration, VAI is inactive and the funnels stay in the raised position. Kawasaki claims VAI offers significantly improved power through the mid-range, as well as a straighter torque curve. All together, the VAI components add 17 ounces to the total weight.
Apart from the VAI, the 2024 ZX-10RR is similar to the previous model. The engine remains a 998cc Inline-Four with four valves per cylinder. Unlike the single-R model, the ZX-10RR uses titanium connecting rods from Pankl. The pistons are lighter than the ZX-10R's pistons, and with one fewer piston ring, the piston is a shorter height, reducing mechanical loss due to friction. The lighter pistons allow for a higher rev limit, and the ZX-10RR's camshafts and valve springs were designed to meet the higher tolerances.
Electronic features include a Bosch IMU, ABS, traction control, corner management function, launch control, engine brake control, quickshift, selectable power modes, and electronic cruise control.
The ZX-10RR also comes with Marchesini forged wheels and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, and suspension tuning developed by Showa specifically for Kawasaki's WSBK effort.
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR will be offered in Lime Green/Ebony, with an MSRP of $30,499. That's an $800 price increase over the 2023 model, but for what it's worth, Kawasaki points out the price is still well below the $40,000 price cap on WSBK machines, which is not something you can say about some of its competitors.
Begin Press Release:
2024 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX™-10RR MOTORCYCLE
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10RR motorcycle returns stronger than ever and maintains its position as the flagship model in Kawasaki’s supersport lineup.
Built for those who rise to the challenge, the Ninja ZX-10RR continues to serve as the base machine for the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) in the FIM World Superbike Championship and a total of seven championships since 2013. This success on the racetrack for a production-derived superbike has allowed Kawasaki to continue delivering racetrack precision to its sportbikes.
NEW VARIABLE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM (VAI)
The VAI system is fitted inside the airbox, utilizing a set of moveable intake funnels to alter the intake funnel height. When the VAI funnels are raised, intake air bypasses the system for optimal high-rpm performance. When lowered, intake air passes through the taller intake funnels for increased low-mid-range performance. Lowering the VAI funnels increases the intake funnel height by 35mm. The movement of the funnels is regulated to maximize output at all rpm.
The use of the VAI system is limited to racing applications. To activate the system, the bike must be fitted with the race-kit ECU and sub-controller. In street-legal configuration, the system is inactive and the tunnels are fixed and in the raised position.
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RR HIGHLIGHTS
Based off the high-performance Ninja® ZX™-10R platform, the Ninja ZX-10RR shares many of the same great features, including a 998cc in-line four-cylinder 16-valve engine, light handling aluminum twin-spar frame, air-cooled oil cooler, aerodynamic styling with integrated winglets, aerodynamic riding position, numbered serial plate and advanced electronics. The impressive list of technology features includes Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Bosch IMU, Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-KTRC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Ohlins Electronic Steering Damper, Power Modes, Integrated Riding Modes, Electronic Cruise Control, TFT Color Instrumentation, and Smartphone Connectivity.
In addition to the many engine, suspension, and chassis components shared with the Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle, the Ninja ZX-10RR features several special high-performance features that were developed through Kawasaki’s racing efforts in World Superbike. This includes enhanced engine components that deliver tremendous racing potential, such as camshafts designed specifically for the Ninja ZX-10RR, and intake and exhaust valve springs that match the higher performance. Lightweight titanium connecting rods manufactured by Pankl, a company specializing in developing and manufacturing engine and drivetrain components for high-performance race cars and the aerospace industry, are one of the key performance features found on the Ninja ZX-10RR. Lighter weight pistons lower the reciprocating weight, aiding in the high rev limit and contributing to smooth-climbing revs. One less piston ring is used compared to the Ninja ZX-10R, enabling a shorter piston height, and helping to prevent mechanical loss due to friction. Piston pins match the pistons and feature a DLC coating that protects against wear. The 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR features Pirelli Diablo™ Supercorsa SP tires that are fitted to forged Marchesini wheels that were designed to specifically meet the needs of the powerful engine.
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RR EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
- Limited production track-focused single seat model
- Pankl lightweight pistons and high-performance titanium connecting rods
- Intake and exhaust valve springs
- Pirelli Diablo™ Supercorsa SP tires
- Model exclusive Marchesini forged wheels
- Fine-tuned suspension settings
KAWASAKI TEAM GREEN™ RACER REWARDS
The Kawasaki Team Green™ Racer Rewards program offers contingency available for eligible Ninja riders at road racing events throughout the nation.
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RR
Color: Lime Green /Ebony
MSRP: $30,499
Availability: Now
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Type | 4-Stroke, 4-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head |
Displacement | 998cc |
Bore & Stroke | 76.0 x 55.0 mm |
Maximum Torque | 81.7 lb.-ft @ 11,500 rpm |
Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
Fuel Injection | DFI with Mikuni 47mm Throttle Bodies (4) |
Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
Transmission | 6-Speed |
Final Drive | Sealed Chain |
Rake/Trail | 25° / 4.1 in. |
Front Suspension | 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping; 4.7 inches of travel |
Rear Suspension | Horizontal back-link with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and dual-stage compression damping; 4.5 inches of travel |
Front Brake | 4-Piston Radial-Mount Calipers, KIBS |
Rear Brake | Single 220mm Disc, KIBS |
Front Tire | Size 120/70 ZR17 |
Rear Tire | Size 190/55 ZR17 |
Wheelbase | 57.1 in. |
Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gal. |
Seat Height | 32.9 in. |
Curb Weight | 456.4 lb. (claimed) |
Warranty | 12 months |
Kawasaki Protection Plus | 12, 24, 36 or 48 months |
Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
Comments
Join the conversation
$30,000 wow. Sure there's not an Italian badge on there somewhere for that price?
I don't get the pricing. Seems 10k too high at least. What am I missing?